Respiratory Therapist Salary in Wisconsin
Based on 2K+ workers in Wisconsin
Median Annual Salary (WI)
$84,210
$40.49/hr
vs National Average
$83,882
+0.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$71K – $100K
2K employed in Wisconsin
The median Respiratory Therapist salary in Wisconsin is $84,210 annually, falling within a typical range of $70,520 to $100,320. This places Wisconsin's average salary at precisely the national median, indicating a stable compensation landscape for these vital healthcare professionals within the state. There are currently an estimated 1,940 Respiratory Therapists employed in Wisconsin.
Several factors can influence a Respiratory Therapist salary in Wisconsin, including years of experience, specific certifications held, and the type of healthcare facility. Larger hospitals or specialized clinics in urban areas may offer higher compensation than smaller rural practices. Additionally, demand for respiratory care services in different regions of the state can also play a role in salary negotiations.
Salary Distribution — Respiratory Therapist in Wisconsin
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $70,520 |
| 25th percentile | $78,800 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $84,210 |
| 75th percentile | $96,510 |
| 90th percentile | $100,320 |
Top-Paying Industries for Respiratory Therapist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Respiratory Therapists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Respiratory Therapists in Wisconsin tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $138,620 | 50 |
| Educational Services | $97,360 | 800 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $82,630 | 129K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $81,120 | 200 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $80,250 | 4K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Respiratory Therapist in Wisconsin vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Wisconsin) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $70,320 |
| 2023 | $79,560 |
| 2024 | $82,160 |
| 2025 | $84,210 |
| 2026 (projected) | $86,311 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Wisconsin Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $70,320 | $70,362 |
| 2023 | $79,560 | $76,440 |
| 2024 | $82,160 | $80,241 |
| 2025 | $84,210 | $83,882 |
| 2026 (projected) | $86,311 | $85,975 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Wisconsin
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $78,800 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $84,210 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $96,510 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $100,320 |
Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Respiratory Therapist Salaries in Wisconsin
How other high-demand occupations in Wisconsin compare to Respiratory Therapist ($84,210 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Respiratory Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in WI | $636,580 | +655.9% | $306.05/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in WI | $443,990 | +427.2% | $213.46/hr |
| Surgeon in WI | $416,000 | +394.0% | $200.00/hr |
| Radiologist in WI | $392,610 | +366.2% | $188.75/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in WI | $367,160 | +336.0% | $176.52/hr |
| Psychiatrist in WI | $331,070 | +293.1% | $159.17/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in WI | $304,990 | +262.2% | $146.63/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in WI | $290,640 | +245.1% | $139.73/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in WI | $273,170 | +224.4% | $131.33/hr |
| Pediatrician in WI | $269,790 | +220.4% | $129.71/hr |
| Dentist in WI | $193,690 | +130.0% | $93.12/hr |
| Podiatrist in WI | $185,100 | +119.8% | $88.99/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Respiratory Therapist in Wisconsin?
- The median salary for a Respiratory Therapist in Wisconsin is $84,210 per year, which equates to about $40 per hour. This median figure is slightly higher than the national average, by 0.4%.
How much do Respiratory Therapists in Wisconsin typically earn?
- Most Respiratory Therapists in Wisconsin earn between $70,520 and $100,320 annually. This range reflects the typical earning potential for the profession within the state.
What is the hourly wage for a Respiratory Therapist in Wisconsin?
- Respiratory Therapists in Wisconsin earn a median hourly wage of $40. This is based on the annual median salary of $84,210.
How many Respiratory Therapists are employed in Wisconsin?
- There are approximately 1,940 Respiratory Therapists employed in Wisconsin. This indicates a moderate demand for these professionals within the state's healthcare system.